USB drive - thats a NO NO.
If you have tried to load it onto an internal hard drive and it failed - download/burn onto a different speed DVD. The win 8 program is very sound - thats not saying i like it!
It is worth trying.

Win 8 release is an early form of the OS.
You will see a number of sites showing how they have succeeded with usb.
In my opinion/experience - like always on the net it is only my opinion/experience - usb is a no no.
Part of trying a new program is to find how easy it is to download/install/use.
If you have tried best part of the day - you know your set up - pc/dvd/usb etc is not working with this item.
It loads quite easy with no problems IF the components are ok.
We did ask - did you try a dvd - did you try a diff dvd speed or do you insist on usb?

The things I do not like and your,usb, problem can be overcome but the idea of trying a pre retail version is to see how it works straight out of the box.